Veteran infielder Ian Kinsler announced his retirement yesterday, citing a herniated cervical disk that ended his season last year in August.
Kinsler ends his career one hit shy of 2,000 for his career. Only 287 players in the history of Major League Baseball have ended their careers with 2,000 or more hits.
Like most athletes, Kinsler’s baseball career is not over as he will remain with the Padres in a front office role. He is still owed more than $4 million from the club, but the two parties will likely work out a financial agreement.
He ends his career as a four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner and 2018 World Series champion as a member of the Boston Red Sox. That’s not bad for a guy drafted in the 17th round of the 2003 draft.
Kinsler spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Rangers before playing with the Tigers, Angels, Red Sox and Padres.
He even pitched a shutout inning in a game in which he also homered.
So long to one of the good guys.
